Elastic

Posted Thursday, August 2, 2007, at 9:07 PM

I wore a pair of capris this week that had an elastic waist. All the way around, not just a few inches at each side, but in lieu of a waistband…I'm talkin' one inch thick, ELASTIC! And to top it off, they were seersuckers!! When did this happen, that I placed comfort over style? I recall, seems like just a few moments ago, that elastic was against my religion. The thought that I'd ever wear it was something close to sacrilegious thinking. But something happened on the way to 60. It gave me no warning and I certainly didn't see it coming, but WHAM! Elastic. Plain and simple. It spoke volumes and what it primarily was saying was, "Do you really think anyone cares?" And apathy won out.

And another thing…I had about a 15-minute conversation with someone in Wal-Mart today about cholesterol, for God's sake. And the worst part was, I did most of the talking! It's amazing that I can't recall where my car keys are half the time and forget to return phone calls (forgot the phone number anyway) and meetings, but I don't forget that cholesterol number. How is that? I even recall what it was three years ago, but I can't remember where I parked the car at the mall. And speaking of that, have you ever forgotten where you parked and tried to look nonchalant and like you don't have a problem as you pass the same person sitting in their vehicle for the fourth time while you're desperately pressing the "unlock" on your remote praying for that annoying horn of yours to honk? Been there. One time, I even went back inside the mall just because I was tired of looking so blonde. Wouldn't go back out till I scoped out the lot and by process of elimination (using color and shape), finally found my car. Had a loaner a month ago when my own was in for repair and forgot. I was about to report my own vehicle stolen after about a 10 minute stroll around the parking lot when I realized the key felt a bit unfamiliar. This age thing might have its advantages when it comes to that .15 discount for McD's coffee, but that's about the only one I've found so far.

By the way, ladies…(and gents, Truthy), there's a local Relay for Life this weekend…if you've never been, GO, GO, GO! It is something you'll never forget. That's a promise from...

I totally relate to your shame at wearing the matronly pants with an elastic waist; but like you, comfort won out. You are just a soul sister to those of us who've reached a certain age. About the cholesterol: my younger brother says you know you're old when conversation revolves around body functions.

-- Posted by gardengirl on Fri, Aug 3, 2007, at 9:48 AM

My best friend and I had the habit of picking up very similar clothing. In fact, we both owned a matching pair of "matronly" elastic waist pants (which we loved). Last fall, I pulled them out of the closet and discovered that the waist was loose! I FINALLY HAD LOST WEIGHT! Long story short - she arrived and said "oh you're still wearing those - the elastic went out on mine!" Pass the Oreos.

-- Posted by qglenellyn on Fri, Aug 3, 2007, at 11:59 AM

Right on target again Minnie.

I've lost a lot of weight lately. Not deliberately, but the weight loss is a happy little accident. My elastic waist-band pants are getting QUITE loose. I'm too cheap to buy more pants because I know I'll lose still more and I don't want to buy pants twice (or 3 times). I'm beginning to look like those silly teenage boys who walk around town with the crotch of their pants at their knees, with one hand holding up their pants. If you see me, just know it's not a fashion statement.

-- Posted by Ducky on Fri, Aug 3, 2007, at 12:44 PM

My husband once told me I could quit teaching and stay home with our first child (this was in the days when women had to get "permission") if I would throw away my favorite pair of holy black knit pants with the mended knees. ("holy" in the sense that they were full of holes -- not in the sense that that they were "blessed"...)